Information, Facts & Origins of the Maremma Sheepdog BreedThe Maremmas originate from Italy and was bred originally for Herding and guarding sheep. It's origins can be dated back to antiquity and mention of this dog was made by the Romans. The Maremma is also known by the other name of Maremmano Abruzzese. This name is derived from the two Italian regions of Maremma and Abruzzo, who both claimed ownership of this dog. This dog is classified as one of the Herding Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Maremma Sheepdog is not currently Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and is therefore in the category of dogs termed Unrecognised & Rare Breeds. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often referred to in two separate words as the Sheep Dog and commonly mis-spelt as Maremmer.

Description of the Maremma Sheepdog Character and TemperamentThe Herding dogs are medium to large in size. They are intelligent, active, courageous, and determined dogs who make excellent companions and respond well to firm training. Their instincts are very strong and given half a chance they will try to herd, or round up, the family. They enjoy work and look to their owners to provide tasks to enable them to meet their instincts and be rewarded accordingly.

Description of the Maremma Sheepdog and Puppies - Coat and Colours informationThe Maremma's coat is normally white and shades of pale lemon or orange and ivory. The outer coat is normally coarse and straight - undercoat is soft and dense.

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Maremma SheepdogsAll owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Maremma, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Maremma may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health ProblemsPlease click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Information on Grooming and Care of the Maremma Sheepdog Breed The Maremma requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Maremma dogs.

Life Expectancy information of the Maremma Sheepdog Breed The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 14 years.

Age comparison between the Maremma Sheepdog Breed and a HumanAge comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Maremma - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Maremma Sheepdog - Puppies Info and NamesThe Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing puppies:

Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain

Exercising requirements for the Maremma breed

Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies

Family - child suitability

Puppy and Dog Names - The Importance of choosing the right names

Herding Dog Breed Duties and TasksCharacteristics and features of Herding Dogs, including the Kelpie, have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Herding Group dogs share the amazing ability to control the movement of other animals. They also have great stamina reserves which allow them to work from dawn to dusk. The dogs are tenacious creatures who have the ability to herd animals such as cattle which are many times their size. They leap, run around frantically and nip at the heels of any animals that they are herding. Add this behaviour to aggressive barking and steely eye contact and their ability to influence much larger animals is fully understood.

Thus, the various Herding breeds, including the Maremmas, were bred and introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as:

Herding or Droving various animals including cattle and reindeer

Police work

Tracking

Providing a service to handicapped owners

Performing Search & Rescue

Acting as sentries and couriers for the Armed Forces

In this day and age not every Maremma might be called to undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Maremma breeding program successful.

Maremma Sheepdog Breed

Examples of other Unrecognised & Rare BreedsThe Maremma belongs to the Herding Group of dogs but is currently Unrecognised by the AKC. Other Unrecognised & Rare Breeds that have been featured on this site include the following:Other Unrecognised & Rare Breeds that have been featured on this site include the following: Tibetan Mastiffs, Dogue de Bordeaux, Hovawarts, Patterdale Terriers, Alaskan Klee Kai, Bandogs, Boerboels, Chinese Foo Dog, Catahoula Leopards, New Guinea Singing Dog, Shikokus, Tosa Inus, Rat Terriers and Thai Ridgebacks. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often referred to in two separate words as the Sheep Dog and commonly mis-spelt as Maremmer. Details and information about all of the above Unrecognised and Rare breeds may be found via the following links: